Composition Shingles
The 3-tab shingle is the most common style applied in Texas and is typically constructed of Fiberglass and asphalt. Quality is generally proportional to thickness and price, warranties range from 15 to 30 years. A higher-grade cousin is the laminate shingle which offers greater resistance to elements and can have a warranty up to 40 years.

3-Tab Shingle
1. Shingle sealant
2. Mineral surface granules
3. Weathering-grade asphalt
4. Fiberglas® mat
5. Weathering-grade asphalt

Laminate Shingle
1. Shingle sealant
2. Mineral surface granules
3. Weathering-grade asphalt
4. Fiberglas® mat
5. Weathering-grade asphalt
6. Mineral surface granules
7. Weathering-grade asphalt
8. Fiberglas® mat
9. Weathering-grade asphalt

Some 3-Tab or Laminate products are specially constructed to be Wind and Impact resistant which could result in insurance discounts up to 34%! These products are identified by:

Tile roofs: There are two types of tile roofs, clay and concrete. Each one provides several different profiles depending on the style and architecture of the home or building. Most tiles are designed to resist fire, hail, and high winds than any other roofing material available. Tile roofs are made all over the world and frequently last over a century. Tile roofs original beauty is only enhanced by the effects of time. Known for their beautiful shapes and hues, tile roofs are truly works of art.

Metal Roofs: There are many types of metal roofs. Some are manufactured to look like tile, wood shakes, or slate. The most common however, is a Stand and Seam profile. Metal roofing has long been recognized for its low maintenance, light weight, resist to fire, hail and high winds. In fact, some insurance companies will allow discounts off premiums if you have a metal roof on your home or building.

Synthetic Slate and Shakes: There are two types of Synthetic Slates and shakes. Cement fiber and industrial Polymer (Rubber). These types of roofs offer the natural look of real slate without the cost and weight of a real slate roof. And the natural look of wood shake without the constant maintenance of a real wood roof. These products are also hail and fire resistant. Once again, insurance companies will allow discounts off premiums if you install these products on your home or building.

Natural Slate: Nothing compares to the beauty of natural slate. Natural slate comes in many colors, sizes, and texture. Slate is made from natural stone, so it will resists all of nature’s elements. Slate roofs are fireproof and can last over a century with minimum maintenance. With a beautiful blend of natural slate you can create an old world look that no other roofing product can match.

If you live in Texas or other areas subjected to hailstorms, please click here to read about UL 2218 Impact Resistance! (prepared by Elk Corporation)